By VANESSA VALENZUELA
FASHION students from across Victoria showcased their best designs at the annual Fashion Awards Australia gala presentation last week.
More than 80 outfits created by secondary school, TAFE and university students graced the catwalk at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne on Friday night.
The awards, sponsored by Star News Group, started in Wyndham 15 years ago to help budding designers develop their skills and give them experience working in the fashion industry.
TAFE and university students competed for a place in four design categories including Sustainable Fashion and Design, Cutting Edge Tailoring, Race Wear and Long Gown.
Professional designer and secondary school teacher Craig Braybrook took out first prize for his stunning Wedding Gown design.
Fashion guru Helen Manuell from Glen Huntly took home two awards for her entries in the Black Cocktail Gown and prestigious Long Gown categories.
Also on the night, two secondary schools tied for the very first time with both St Albans Secondary College and Ballarat Grammar taking home the John Claringbold Memorial Secondary College Cup.
Event organiser and director Heather Marcus said the support from parents, students and teachers had made the night a success.
“We are rather delighted with the way everything went,” Ms Marcus said.
“We think the quality of designs were much higher than last year.”
Ms Marcus said she would like to thank all of the volunteers for their hard work on the night.
“I can’t do it by myself and it’s the volunteers that put so much time and effort into it.”
